With several of the driver's personal stories woven into the bigger challenge from Peugeot, "Truth In 24" doesn't need a Hollywood-style plot to be entertaining. The story sells itself, and the driver's personal struggles only increase your interest in the outcome. Along the way, you get to know the drivers and engineers well, both in interviews and candid footage. The drivers themselves are interesting characters in their own right and quite funny, giving the film several laugh-out-loud moments. The team as a whole comes off as one big family, and regardless of how you feel about one manufacturer dominating the race for years, you can't help but get caught up in the emotion of their story. When the team members aren't speaking for themselves, the movie is narrated by actor and Audi aficionado Jason Statham, whose accent and dispassionate reading give the film a serious undertone and European feel. The narration was written by Cossrow, Viseltear, and Gerry Reimel and offers interesting insights into the team's past and each driver's history without being overbearing. Most of the time, Cossrow and Viseltear let the team members do the talking, and they're all comfortable enough in front of the camera to make the interviews and candid sequences engrossing.
"Truth In 24" has been screened at several film festivals around the U.S. and is expected to play at several more. In the meantime, NFL Films is still hammering out distributions possibilities, but we're told that they would like to see the film receive at least limited release in theaters, as well as showing on TV and later becoming available on DVD. The film was well-received at its Los Angeles premier last night and featured a post-movie Q&A session with directors Cossrow and Viseltear and drivers Emanuele Pirro, Mike Rockenfeller, Alexandre Premat, and Rinaldo Capello. While Premat and Capello were rather quiet, Pirro was happy to talk all night, when Rockenfeller wasn't holding him back. The chemistry between the drivers was obvious and added credence to the film's portrayal of the team. There are no forced pleasantries here, these men may as well have been family.
"Truth In 24" is an excellent film for auto sports enthusiasts of all degrees, and it won't put your date to sleep, either. As Cossrow put it, they've created a film that your wife can still enjoy. "Truth In 24" is one of the best documentaries on motorsports to come out in years and will likely find a place on the shelf next to McQueen's "Le Mans" in many fans' collections for years to come.
by Scott Evans